Harrison Keller
Encyclopedia
Harrison Keller was an American violinist and music educator.
Keller began his violin studies at Bethany College
in Lindsborg, Kansas
, graduating in 1907. From 1907 to 1911, he continued his studies at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin, Germany. Keller also studied with Anton Witek in Prague (1912) and Leopold Auer
in St. Petersburg, Russia (1913 to 1914).
Keller served in the United States Army
during World War I
, acting as leader of the 301st Artillery Band in France, and received the French Legion of Honor. On his return to the United States, he put together the Boston String Quartet in Boston, Massachusetts. Keller joined the faculty of New England Conservatory of Music in 1921 as head of the violin department. From 1922 to 1946, Keller was head of the string department. From 1947 to 1952, he served as the Conservatory’s sixth Director; and from 1952 to 1958, President of its Board of Directors.
Keller also served as Director of the Boston Opera Association, Trustee of the Paderewski and Frank Huntington Beebe Funds, and President of the National Association of Schools of Music for three terms. Keller was also appointed to the American Academy of Arts. Keller received honorary doctorates from Bethany College in 1954, Hartt School of Music in 1955, and New England Conservatory in 1959.
Keller began his violin studies at Bethany College
Bethany College (Kansas)
Bethany College is a small liberal arts college located in Lindsborg, Kansas and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America . The college's mission is to educate, develop and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead loves of faith, learning and service...
in Lindsborg, Kansas
Lindsborg, Kansas
Lindsborg is a city in McPherson County, Kansas, USA. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 3,458. It is known for its association with Swedish heritage and the biennial Svensk Hyllningsfest...
, graduating in 1907. From 1907 to 1911, he continued his studies at the Stern Conservatory in Berlin, Germany. Keller also studied with Anton Witek in Prague (1912) and Leopold Auer
Leopold Auer
Leopold Auer was a Hungarian violinist, teacher, conductor and composer.-Early life and career:...
in St. Petersburg, Russia (1913 to 1914).
Keller served in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, acting as leader of the 301st Artillery Band in France, and received the French Legion of Honor. On his return to the United States, he put together the Boston String Quartet in Boston, Massachusetts. Keller joined the faculty of New England Conservatory of Music in 1921 as head of the violin department. From 1922 to 1946, Keller was head of the string department. From 1947 to 1952, he served as the Conservatory’s sixth Director; and from 1952 to 1958, President of its Board of Directors.
Keller also served as Director of the Boston Opera Association, Trustee of the Paderewski and Frank Huntington Beebe Funds, and President of the National Association of Schools of Music for three terms. Keller was also appointed to the American Academy of Arts. Keller received honorary doctorates from Bethany College in 1954, Hartt School of Music in 1955, and New England Conservatory in 1959.